Cocktail News

Texas Republic brings big-screen nightlife verve to SMU Dallas area

A toast to this fun new bar.

Texas Republic

Dallas is about to get a grand new bar with a nod to the Lone Star State: Texas Republic, a lively bar concept that first debuted in Fort Worth, is opening a location in the middle of coed country, at 5609 SMU Blvd.

They'll take over the 6,400 square-foot combined interior and outside patio space on the ground level of the Shelby Residences building, previously occupied by Twisted Root which closed in 2020.

Described in a release as a modern Texas-inspired neighborhood bar with a stimulating nightlife vibe, Texas Republic is from One Entertainment Group, the hospitality outfit from partners Sam Sameni and Shaul Sultan, which includes Landmark Bar & Kitchen, Theory Nightclub, Playground Bar, Texas Republic, The Yard, Cuties Pizza, and their highly successful fried chicken sandwich venture, Hot Chicks Chicken.

The bar will open on Thursday September 30, but will host a sneak peek this weekend, on Friday September 24 and Saturday September 25, from 9 pm-2 am.

Texas Republic's assets include cocktails that are exciting but casual; ice cold beer; and a fun atmosphere in a relaxed setting.

Texas Republic will spotlight a 136-foot Megatron LED screen — one of the largest LED screens in Dallas to watch sports events — featuring state-of-the-art picture and sound for an immersive sports experience, alongside a large full-size bar in the center of the venue, featuring customized spinner wheels located at each table throughout the venue with 16 unique shot choices, tableside beer kegs, and fun shareable cocktails.

It's part of the larger-than-life theme they're going for, Sameni says in a statement.

"Everything is bigger in Texas, and that is our motto here — from our giant Megatron, to our 35-ounce Candy Carafe Cocktails, to our Trash Can Hot Chicken Nachos, to the acts that will be performing on stage," Sameni says. "TXR has had immense success in the Fort Worth market because it is a perfect hybrid concept meshing our casual and comfortable neighborhood bar feel with our late night nightlife experience."

The Dallas Texas Republic will also engage in a joint venture with Hot Chicks Chicken, which is opening a location next door.

Hot Chicks Chicken is their fast-casual concept featuring Nashville hot chicken with heat levels, with crinkle cut fries and sauces made in house. All available menu options will be available to Texas Republic guests as these two concepts join forces.

cocktails nightlife

Ramen News

Acclaimed Jinya Ramen Bar to open new Dallas location in Carrollton

Courtesy of Jinya Ramen

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A buzzy California-based ramen bar is opening a restaurant in Carrollton: Jinya Ramen Bar, known for its authentic, meticulously prepared ramen, will open at 2451 Old Denton Rd. #150 in the Century Square Retail Center, across the road from Carrollton Town Center.

According to a release, it opens on October 15.

Jinya originated in Tokyo, Japan where it was founded by in 2000 by Tomo Takahashi, whose father was a restaurateur. He expanded the concept to the U.S. in 2010, when he opened a location in California. There are now 66 locations across the U.S., including 14 in Texas, with an especially big presence in Houston. (Jinya Ramen Bar also has five sibling dining concepts including bushi by Jinya, Robata Jinya, LBD Japanese Bar and Lounge, and Jinya Ramen Express.)

Jinya Ramen Bar made its Dallas entrance in 2019 with a location in Victory Park; followed by a location at Preston Hollow Village which opened in 2023. (Plans for an Irving location were shelved.)

Jinya's ramen starts with a rich broth and house-made noodles. You add toppings, from tender pork chasu to poached egg to fresh garlic. The menu also has bao buns and other tapas, sake, and beer.

They tout the fact that they use Fuji water and subject their noodles to a special process before they're cooked and served. "Meticulously aged for three days to maximize their flavor, Jinya Ramen Bar's noodles are made fresh daily and crafted to sink perfectly in your bowl with thick noodles for some broths and thin noodles for others," the chain says.

Their creamy broths and the inclusion of unique fusion ingredients and flavors in their ramen has earned them much praise.

Carrollton will offer ramen with several broths, including chicken, tonkotsu, and vegan options, with bowls starting at $17. They will also offer Japanese rice bowls and small plates, such as sashimi and pork gyoza.

“After feeling so much love from the Dallas area, we knew we had to bring more of our signature ramen to the surrounding cities,” says Takahashi in a statement. “Our customers have been wonderful in supporting us so far and we hope Carrollton will fall in love with ramen this October.”

They'll host opening day festivities at 11 am with the first 100 guests in line receiving a free ramen bowl.

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